The location: The Grand Hyatt Denver’s Pinnacle Club has just undergone a facelift and it turned out great. The views from this 37th floor venue are amazing, and was a perfect backdrop for the event chaired by Barry and Arlene Hirschfeld. Guests enjoyed cocktails and hors d’oeuvres while watching the sun set behind the magnificent Rocky Mountains.

The reason for the event: In 2004, when attorney Steve Farber’s kidney disease progressed to the point where a transplant was his only option, his son, Gregg, a real estate capital adviser in New York, stepped right up to become a living donor. The experience gave the Farber family a first-hand look at what so many others in need of a life-saving organ donation are going through. And so Steve established the American Transplant Foundation to serve patients, living donors and their families.
The dinner was a tribute not only to Steve and Gregg, but to nephrologist Laurence Chan and transplant surgeon Igal Kam, recipients of the Patient Advocate Award; and living organ donors Kaye Basedow, Russ Cupps, Adam Leventhal and Cara Yesawich, who were given the Gift of Life Award.

Denver first lady Mary Louise Lee, center, with Arlene and Barry Hirschfeld. (Steve Peterson, Special to The Denver Post)

The opening act: Denver’s first lady, Mary Louise Lee, is a well-known vocalist and she was in fine form when she opened the program by singing the Mariah Carey favorite, “Hero.” Definitely a two-hankie moment.

Models work the runway during Whiteout 2013 at the McNichols Building. The winter-themed show and art exhibit featured local artists and designers. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)

The McNichols Building in Civic Center has quickly become the hot spot for art shows, parties, benefits and, lectures since renovations on the historic structure were completed last fall.

But it hadn’t been used for a big fashion show until the Art of Winter presented Whiteout in the space on Thursday. The stylish hordes turned out for the event, which featured art installations, Orange Peel Moses on springy stilts, a photo booth and a DIY art table. Pizza, cupcakes and an open bar added to the festive atmosphere (not to mention the Drambuie luge) and helped guests pass the two hours before the show began.

Pictures from Wednesday night’s grand opening gala at Nordstrom Cherry Creek are now posted at denverpost.com/SeenGallery
Check ’em out!
In addition, Society Editor Joanne Davidson’s column about this benefit for Beacon Center and the American Transplant Foundation can be viewed at denverpost.com/davidson